Horwich: Man died after 'a three-day bender' with brother

Benjamin Wood consumed a combination of alcohol and drugs and died on December 22 of last year.

The police were called to his brother's home on Bridge Street and were told the pair were on 'a three-day bender' before the death.

During an inquest this week, area coroner Professor Dr Alan Walsh read a statement from Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead.

Professor Dr Walsh said: "The police conducted a full investigation including a search of the scene, also a search of the body, and the conclusion of the full investigation was there was no evidence of any suspicious circumstances or third party involvement in relation to the death of Mr Wood."

Born in Bolton, Mr Wood attended secondary school then college to study motor mechanics, although he did not complete the course. He worked in a number of roles, including gardening and glazing, but at the time of his death he was not in employment.

As a teenager he started to use cannabis and, over time, he started to use other drugs.

He struggled with issues with his mental health from the age of 18 and in particular with schizophrenia.

He was homeless for a period but, at the time of his death, he lived on Singleton Avenue.

Professor Dr Walsh said: "His family provided the amenities he required and his family supported him.

"Unfortunately, he was addicted, and he continued to use drugs. In the period up to his death he was on 'a three-day bender' and this culminated in his death."

Recording a conclusion of a drug-related death, Professor Dr Walsh added: "I am saddened by another death due to illicit drugs in this town. 

"Clearly there is a problem where individuals don't realise the damage that is done in relation to the long term use of illicit drugs," he added.

He asked for his 'condolences' and 'sympathies' to be sent to Mr Wood's loved ones.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.